Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what could prove to be an action-packed Bundesliga showdown on Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Stuttgart to the BayArena.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have opened up the 205/26 campaign in the midst of an infamous rut under Erik ten Hag’s guidance, the former Bundesliga champions have come roaring back since Kasper Hjulmand’s arrival. Collecting a heavyweight domestic scalp prior to Germany’s festive break as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory away at RB Leipzig, the former Denmark boss finds the mood in his camp at a real high. Skyrocketing themselves into bronze medal position, Leverkusen have lost just a pair of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions and they have also suffered just a single Bundesliga defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of August. Sat in the driving seat to claim another lucrative Champions League ticket in 2026, Hjulmand’s side will be looking to make another statement here.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Still away featuring at this month’s AFCON, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Eliesse Ben Seghir, Edmond Tapsoba and summer recruit Ibrahim Maza here. However, serving a one-match suspension against RB Leipzig last time out, former Liverpool starlet Jarell Quansah should be handed a full recall.
Finding the net at the Red Bull Arena prior to Germany’s festive break, Czech Republic international Patrik Schick will lead the line this weekend. Completing a permanent switch from Brentford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Mark Flekken will start between the sticks.
Stuttgart
As for the visitors, only just dragging themselves to a top-half finish among Germany’s elite last season, it is no secret that Stuttgart opened up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on booking an immediate European return. However, despite marking their return on Saturday night knowing that they could skyrocket their way into the Champions league spots, Die Roten had shown some Bundesliga inconsistencies prior to Germany’s festive break. Last seen signing off 2024 with a 0-0 stalemate at home against Hoffenheim, Stuttgart have registered just a single win from any of their previous five top-flight showdowns. Likewise, not securing back-to-back Bundesliga wins since the middle of October, Sebastian Hoeneb’s side look set for a stern challenge when they travel to the BayArena this weekend.
Stuttgart Team News
Away representing Morocco at this month’s AFCON, Stuttgart will once again be without summer recruit and former Leicester star Bilal El Khannouss. Likewise, not making a single appearance since the start of November, ex-Borussia Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou on Saturday night.
Enjoying another free-scoring run this season and registering eight goals in his 11 Bundesliga appearances, former Brighton striker Deniz Undav will lead the line. Despite still waiting to open his account after completing a summer switch from Nice, Badredine Bouanani should get some minutes under his belt.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart last met back in March 2025, Saturday’s hosts stormed their way to a stunning 5-4 victory at the MHPArena.
- Leverkusen have suffered just a pair of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
- Hjulmand’s side have suffered just a sole Bundesliga defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of August.
- Stuttgart have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances.
- Former Brighton striker Deniz Under has recorded eight goals in his 11 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Conclusion
Knowing that they could temporarily leapfrog Borussia Dortmund into silver medal position on Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen should be relishing their return from Germany’s festive break here. Collecting a heavyweight scalp last time out as they signed off 2025 with a thumping 3-1 win away at RB Leipzig, Hjulmand’s men should also be excited by their most recent showdown against Saturday’s guests. Landing an action-packed 4-3 win when they travelled to the MHPArena back in March 2025, we are expecting a similar home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
